Standing in the starlight under the Milky Way, the night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and consequent light pollution.
Below are some of my favorite dark sky destinations around the world.
■Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre and the Mackenzie Basin, the Dark Sky Reserve was certified in 2012 to continue protecting the dark skies in the area.
Stargazing (观星) enthusiasts should plan a visit to Mr.John Observatory, tours to which must be booked in advance.
■The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Most visitors road-trip Ireland s western Wild Atlantic Way to explore beyond hot spots like Dublin and Cork, but the route is also fast becoming a great region for stargazing, thanks to the efforts of local communities along the Way.
If planning a trip, keep in mind that Ireland does have wet months where overcast skies are more likely to affect your stargazing prospects.
■Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is also sometimes called the “Valley of the Moon,” though you’re more likely to compare it to Mars if you visit. Made famous for its otherworldly landscapes in movies like Prometheus, Star Wars, Rogue One and The Martian, Wadi Rum’s towering red rock formations are extremely interesting to explore by day-and offer protection from any distant light pollution once the sun sets.
Stargazing in Wadi Rum is a breathtaking experience, and reminds us how our ancestors experienced the night sky for thousands of years.
1. What might be a disadvantage of stargazing in Ireland?| A．Conservation efforts. | B．Heavy tourism. |
| C．Customer service. | D．Local climate. |
| A．Unusual landscapes. | B．Ancestors³experiences. |
| C．Its geographical location. | D．Its local film studios. |
| A．To compare. | B．To inform. |
| C．To warn. | D．To announce. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Four Free Mobile Apps to Help You Learn English Faster
Have you realized that you can put your smartphone to really good use for learning English? Here are 4 free mobile apps that will help you do just that.
Hello English
It covers all the aspects of language learning, including vocabulary, translation, grammar, spellings, spoken and reading skills. It uses interactive games to teach different English lessons and offers new audiohooks, latest news, and books. However, you should already understand basic English structures and alphabets, for the app can't help you learn English from scratch(从零开始).
Duolingo
If you want to learn English from scratch, then this is the app you are lookking for. Duolingo uses interactive games to help you learn English. For beginners, the app focuses on helping you learn verbs, phrases and sentences.
Lingbe
If you are ready to practice your spoken skills in the real world, you'll need Lingbe. It's a community-based app where people help each other and share their native languages. It connects you with real people on call who are native English speakers.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is similar to Lingbe as it connects you with native speakers to help improve your language skills. However, it adds a few extra functions that might interest you. You can view the information about users to find a match that interests you. Additionally, you can also send text and audio messages, and even do video calls with other people.
If you are a beginner, start from Duolingo and then use Hello English to take full command over the language. For fluent spoken English learners, you can try out Lingbe or HelloTalk.
1. Who do you think Hello English is intended for?| A．Those who want to learn English from scratch. |
| B．Those who are interested in English structures. |
| C．Those who already understand basic English structures. |
| D．Those who are good at reading skills. |
| A．Hello English. | B．Duolingo. | C．Lingbe. | D．HelloTalk. |
| A．Do video calls with native speakers. | B．Learn basic English structures. |
| C．Read the latest news. | D．Enjoy the interactive games. |
【推荐2】Cultural Diversity Week 2019 Mini Grants (拨款) Guideline
To celebrate Cultural Diversity Week (CDW) 2019 in March, Banyule City Council (Australia) is offering mini grants of up to $300 for people to learn more about Victoria's cultural and religious diversity.
Who can apply?
Clubs, community groups and schools that are located within Banyule can apply for the mini grant.
What can the grant be used for?
1) Supporting your group, club or school to attend a cultural museum.
2) Hosting your own event and inviting a guest speaker or cultural performer.
Museum visits
Melbourne has a number of fantastic museums that display different cultures. A list of suggested cultural museums is included in this document. But you can also visit other museums.
Hosting your own event
The grant can be used to invite a musician, dancer or guest speaker from the Victorian multicultural community to perform at your event. For a list of speakers and performers, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au.
To apply for the grant
To apply for the grant visit banyule.smartygrants.com.au. Applications must be sent by 27 January 2019. You will need to provide the following information:
1) Tell us in 100 words or less how your group would benefit from the cultural education experience.
2) Tell us the museum you plan to attend or which cultural performer or guest speaker you will invite.
3) Provide a budget of your activity and the number of people who will take part.
4) If possible, tell us when the event or museum visit will be held.
We encourage applications from groups that intend to hold their event or museum visit during Cultural Diversity Week March 2019. If this is not possible, at the latest, the event or museum visit must occur before the end of April 2019.
If you have any questions please contact the Community and Social Planning team on 9490 4222. You will be informed (通知) of the result of your application by 17 February 2019.
1. Which of the following can make a request for the grant?| A．A local school. | B．A young performer. |
| C．A cultural museum. | D．A city office. |
| A．How much money will be spent on your event. |
| B．The cultural events held in your community. |
| C．How you understand Cultural Diversity Week. |
| D．A description of your event in at least 100 words. |
| A．By 27 January 2019. | B．By 17 February 2019. |
| C．By the end of April 2019. | D．By the end of March 2019. |
【推荐3】Palacio Principe Real—the Best Hotel in Lisbon
Location
Right in the heart of one of Lisbon’s loveliest districts, where faded palaces mix with buzzing restaurants and concept stores overlook palm-filled parks. Lisbon airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Service and Facilities
Whether you want to ride a horse along a beach at sunset or taste wines, all can be organised. There is a small spa with two treatment rooms offering massages(按摩) and facials, yoga in the mornings and a heated swimming pool in the garden.
Rooms
Some have showers; others have freestanding bathtubs. Some are simply decorated, and others are luxurious(奢华的). But all have a view over the wonderful gardens. Beds are covered with soft cottons, and bathrooms in local limestone(石灰岩) come with heated floors. There are coffee machines, scented candles to light up your bath time and free mini bars with health shots and, what always seems to be missing from hotels, fresh milk for your morning coffee.
Food and Drink
There are well done, simple food drawing on the best ingredients that Portugal has, from the smoked hams to the local cheeses and the freshest catch of the day from the market. Breakfast is à la carte with options such as avocado toast and poached eggs. The Duck Bar, so called after the hotel logo of an Indian runner duck, serves a wide range of Portuguese wines.
Value for Money
Doubles in low season from £457, including breakfast. Doubles in high season from £573, including breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There is one room that is suitable for wheelchair users, which makes Palácio Principe Real stand out.
Family-Friendly?
No children under 14.
1. What can guests do when staying at Palácio Principe Real?| A．Do yoga. | B．Ride a bike. |
| C．Make wine. | D．Learn gardening. |
| A．All of them are not the same. | B．Some need more decorations. |
| C．They may be noisy at night. | D．They have limestone floors. |
| A．Wi-Fi is free of charge in low season. | B．People of different ages are welcome. |
| C．Prices are the same all the year round. | D．It is accessible to guests with disabilities. |
【推荐1】Millions of TripAdvisor users voted New York, Chicago, Charleston and Las Vegas as the top four travel cities in the United States.
New York City
More than 50 million people visit New York City every year. The five boroughs（行政区）－or regions of New York have some of the most easily recognized attractions in the world. Visitors whose things are tight can take a free boat from Manhattan to Staten Island for a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Chicago, Illinois
America’s third-largest city offers world-class museums, great food, sporting events and symbolic architecture－including Willis Tower, America’s tallest building. But what places the Midwest city above others is comedy. It’s well-known for comedy shows. The Second City theater is where many famous comedians get their start, including Mike Meyers and Tina Fey.
Charleston, South Carolina
Some say Charleston is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the United States. The coastal（沿海的）city has a very rich history. The Civil War began at its waterfront, at Fort Sumter, which visitors can explore. But present-day Charleston has a lot to offer, too. Conde Nast Traveler voted it the number one U. S. city, for its beautiful architecture, food, and friendly people.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The desert city of Las Vegas is known around the world for its casinos（娱乐场）and bright lights. Visitors stay at world-class hotels, eat at top chefs’ restaurants, and usually see a spectacular show or concert.
1. If you are a backpack traveller on a tight budget, which would be your best choice?| A．New York City | B．Chicago, Illinois |
| C．Charleston, South Carolina | D．Las Vegas, Nevada |
| A．New York and Chicago | B．Chicago and Charleston |
| C．Charleston and Las Vegas | D．New York and Charleston |
| A．World-class museums. | B．Landmark buildings. |
| C．Comedy and comedy shows. | D．Sporting events and tasty food. |
【推荐2】Heritage sites are universally considered as the places where you can learn about the history of human development and social evolution. Therefore, if you have a keen interest in meeting your curiosity about it, the following on the UNESCO's World Heritage List will be a must-check list for you.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada
The park is best known for its extensive fossil beds, within which 35 species of dinosaurs from about 100 to 65 million years ago have been identified. There are also fossilized remains of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Salonga National Park, Congo
This is the largest reserve in Congo, covering more than 14,000 square miles. The park was established in 1970. The thick forest provides habitats for various animals like parrots, elephants and monkeys. Park visitors observe the animals from motorized river boats. The park was entered into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1984.
Hadrian's Wall, England
This is a Roman barrier that guarded the border of Britain. Hadrian (ruled 117-138 CE) went to Britain in 122 and was the first to build a wall, 80 miles long, to separate the Romans from the barbarians (野蛮人). There was no intention of fighting from the wall top; the soldiers there were trained to encounter the enemy in the open. In 1987, Hadrian's Wall was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Easter Island, Chile
This place is famous for its huge stone statues. The first European visitors, the Dutch, named it Easter Island in memory of their day of arrival. The small and hilly island was formed by volcanoes.Easter Island was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995.
1. If you want to study fossils in college, which site would you like to visit?| A．Easter Island. | B．Dinosaur Provincial Park. |
| C．Hadrian's Wall. | D．Salonga National Park. |
| A．In 1995. | B．In 1979. |
| C．In 1987. | D．In 1984. |
| A．To keep a place for dinosaurs. |
| B．To defend themselves from attack. |
| C．To memorize Roman’s arrival in the place. |
| D．To provide natural habitats for wild animals. |
【推荐3】Xixia Dinosaur Relic Park
Lying at the center of Funiu Mountain World Geopark, Xixia Dinosaur Relic Park in Nanyang, Henan province is a tourist place with high ornamental (观赏性的) and scientific value. The area has cool average summer temperature of 19℃, making it a paradise to escape the summer heat.
Xixia Dinosaur Relic Park is a large scale dinosaur theme park, which has the world’s most well preserved dinosaur fossil (化石) eggs. The discovered eggs are the rarest of its kind in the world, which are called the ninth wonder of the world, after the Terracotta Warriors of the First Qin Emperor.
Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA
Ideal (最合适的) Sightseeing Season: April to late November
Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:30 in winter; 7:30 - 18:30 in spring, summer and autumn
Ticket Price: 130 yuan ($18.81)
Free Tickets:
①Children below 1.2 meters;
②Persons aged 70 or above with valid certificate (有效证件).
Discounted Tickets: 50 yuan
①Children with height between 1.2 and 1.4 meters;
②Students and those aged 60 or above with valid certificate.
Online Booking: www.ljlkly.com/shopcart/
1. Which of the following is the ideal time to visit the park?| A．January. |
| B．March. |
| C．May. |
| D．December. |
| A．It has the world’s most well preserved dinosaur fossil eggs. |
| B．It is a small-scale but world famous dinosaur theme park. |
| C．It is called the ninth wonder of the world. |
| D．It has hundreds of dinosaur fossil eggs. |
| A．150 yuan. |
| B．230 yuan. |
| C．310 yuan. |
| D．360 yuan. |
【推荐1】Western people often host a spooky movie night for friends or family during the Halloween. Here are some tips for planning a fun event.
Schedule a date
A Friday or Saturday night might be a good option, so you can start the movie after dark — making the mood more scary —and not have to worry about staying up too late on a school night. Once you have a date and time picked out, reach out to anyone you would like to invite.
Pick a movie
You can check out the Halloween-themed movies on your family’s streaming services or see what you might be able to download for free from the Internet. If you want friends to help you choose the fun and age-appropriate movie for everyone who is attending, you could narrow the selection down to three options and take a quick vote when everyone arrives.
Serve snacks
Popcorn is a classic movie treat and easy to make for a group. You can serve it plain or set up a popcorn bar. Place one large bowl of popcorn on a counter with several smaller bowls of toppings — like chocolate chips, small candies, and Pamesan cheese. Set out brown paper lunch bags, festive stickers, and black and orange markers so guests can personalize their bags.
Get the room ready
Depending on how many people you are hosting, you may want to add extra seating to your TV area. You could gather beanbag chairs, sleeping bags, and extra pillows to make the space cozy. Decorate the room in a Halloween theme like setting out plastic pumpkins with fake candles inside to help create a spooky mood and cutting out spider and ghost shapes to hang from the ceiling.
1. Why are weekends better for a movie night?| A．Because more friends will come. | B．Because children have no homework. |
| C．Because Halloween is often on Fridays. | D．Because nobody will worry about sleeping late. |
| A．To label the topping bowls. | B．To stick the paper spiders. |
| C．To differ guests’ lunch bags. | D．To decorate the plastic pumpkins. |
| A．A travel flyer. | B．A culture website. |
| C．A fashion magazine. | D．A sales email. |
【推荐2】The goal of the “clean ＆ Green” home recycling initiative (倡议) is to assist households in reducing their environmental footprint by providing step-by-step instructions on effective recycling practices.
Understanding Recycling Types
Plastics: These include bottles, containers and other packaging materials. Always clean plastics before recycling to avoid pollution.
paper: Newspapers, magazines, and cardboard are recyclable. However, soiled or wet paper should be discarded as regular waste.
Glass: Bottles and jars of all colors can be recycled. Ensure they are free of food waste.
Metals: Common recyclables are aluminum cans and tin foil (锡纸). Remove any food waste before disposal.
Steps for Effective Home Recycling
Collection: Use separate bins for each type. Mark containers to avoid confusion.
Preparation: As mentioned above, clean the items. This prevents waste and increases the recyclability of the materials.
Storage: Avoid overfilling recycling bins. Overpacked bins might lead to improper sorting at recycling facilities.
Drop-off: If your city doesn’t offer roadside pickup locate your nearest recycling drop-off point.
Stay Informed: Recycling guidelines can change. Regularly check city websites for “clean ＆ Green” updates.
Recycling DOs and DON’Ts
DO: encourage neighbors and friends to adopt recycling habits;
invest in composting (堆肥) if possible; it’s another great way to reduce waste;
DON’T: mix different types in one bin;
recycle dangerous or electronic waste with regular recyclables;
Benefits of Recycling:
Reduces landfill (垃圾填埋) waste.
Conserves natural resources and energy.
Prevents pollution by reducing the need for raw materials.
Supports public health by minimizing exposure to harmful things.
Join the “clean ＆ Green” initiative today and play your part in creating a bright future for the next generations!
1. The primary goal of the “clean ＆ Green” initiative is to ______.| A．sell recycling bins | B．encourage composting |
| C．update recycling guidelines frequently | D．reduce households’ environmental footprints |
| A．Paper. | B．Metals. | C．Plastics. | D．Glass. |
| A．It’s important to stay updated on recycling guidelines. |
| B．Electronic waste can be recycled with regular recyclables. |
| C．You should mix different types in one bin to save space. |
| D．Wet paper is preferred for recycling as it’s easier to process. |
【推荐3】Everyone at Pacsafe is always eager to get out in the world and enjoy new cultures, food, and experiences. With that in mind we asked a few of our top travel bugs for their best travel destination recommendations for 2019. They also included their favorite Pacsafe bag to take on the trip. Enjoy and hopefully get some ideas for your own globe-trotting adventure.
Sri Lanka — Alison Hanko, Global Marketing Director
I’m going to Sri Lanka this summer holiday and can’t wait. It’s close to Hong Kong where I live and I’ve always wanted to go. The food is supposed to be amazing. It seems really relaxing and I really want to do the Kandy to Badulla train ride, which looks just stunning. We’ve booked a good mix of beaches, some time in a safari tent to hopefully see elephants in the wild.
For my bag, I’ll most likely take the Quiksilver 40L Pack because it has the built-in wet pack for my bikinis. It’s also a great size for a week-long trip in a warm climate.
Japan — Ben Barras, Creative Director
Japan is definitely my best travel destination recommendation. The culture, the streets, the architecture, the inspiration you get from all of that is amazing. The food is also fascinating. It’s where I’m most planning to go. Tokyo obviously, but also visiting the mountains. You can go snowboarding, which I haven’t done for years.
I have a Vibe 25L Backpack which you can pack a lot in. The thing I like most about it is that it’s compact, but still fits plenty in. I’ll pair that up with a larger travel bag for the rest of my things and use the backpack to get around day to day.
Berlin — Phil Hayes, Executive VP of Global Design
For me, it’s definitely Berlin. I’m particularly excited about the fashion, which I hear is pretty full on. Also the art galleries and history. Food, nightlife. Everything I’ve heard about Berlin is pretty cool, so I’m going to suck as much as I can out of it. World’s Global Style Network had the Berlin shopping list that came out recently, so I’m going to follow that through as well.
Bag wise, it will be the Quiksilver X Collab Bag. It’s the 25L Anti-theft Backpack. It’s normally my go-to bag for city trips because it’s super easy to lock on the plane and in bars, and it’s just the right amount of space.
1. Which of the Pacsafe bag is a good choice for beach travel?| A．The Vibe 25L Backpack. | B．The Quiksilver 40L Pack. |
| C．The Quiksilver X Collab Bag. | D．25L Anti-theft Backpack. |
| A．Berlin. | B．Japan. | C．Hong Kong. | D．Sri Lanka. |
| A．Beautiful beaches. | B．Fascinating art. | C．Amazing food. | D．Cool snowboarding. |
